The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) recently announced updates to its Equal Pay Registration Certificate (EPRC) program. Most notably, the agency is removing the “prefers not to identify” option for employee race and sex reporting.
According to IDOL, employers that downloaded the current pay reporting template may use it through 2026, but beginning January 1, 2027, submissions using “prefers not to identify” for race or sex will be rejected. IDOL has already rejected some submissions that reported significant numbers of employees as “prefers not to identify.” Employers may submit explanatory documentation regarding individual employee situations.
Other changes include improved portal functionality allowing employers to download approved submissions and enhanced rejection notices re-filing information. IDOL’s email also reminded employers about 2025 developments including: adding "Middle Eastern or North African" as a race category, decoupling EPRC reporting from federal EEO-1 reporting, and IDOL’s partnership with the University of Illinois to analyze submitted EPRC data, which resulted in a December 2025 report.